There are so many things that Christians think about daily. Most of those things are worldly, like work-related stuff, family stuff, personal stuff. That’s completely understandable. Christians also are bombarded with false doctrine. Primarily those that actually try to live out their faith by studying books, watching videos, etc.… The sheer volume of false doctrine and theology is astounding. So, as Christians, we must read and study the Bible so that we know the difference between truth and lies. We also need to study the Bible in order to understand what we should be thinking about. In the 4th chapter of Philippians, Paul encourages us to Think on These Things Christians. The encouragements in Philippians 4:8 are concerning various aspects of Christian Life. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll dig deeper into this verse.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Paul’s first exhortation is for us to, “think on the things” that are true. In today’s society, it is becoming harder and harder to find the truth. The new media distorts the truth or bald-faced lies. People in general just repeat what they’ve heard, like parrots. They fail to scrutinize their sources and fail to do the research required to find the truth. The only truth left on the planet is the Bible. The Bible is the only source of absolute truth, honesty, and integrity left on earth. Not because we don’t try to seek the truth but because truth is so elusive today.
Think on These Things Christians, Honesty
Similar to the truth, Paul also encouraged us to think about honesty. Honest is defined as free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere. When we share information with others we should strive for honesty. We don’t want to share false statements with others because we may deceive them. We want to verify the things we are sharing to the best of our ability before we share it. Quite frankly, some people who speak before they think about what they are saying should just keep their “pie hole” shut. That would eliminate the sharing of falsehoods. Again, the only absolute honesty is found within the pages of the Bible. The more we read and study the Bible the more honest we can be as we interact with others.
Think on These Things Christians, be Just
To be just is to behave according to what is morally right and fair. The Bible is also the source of just behavior, fairness, and morality. Many philosophers would disagree. They feel that fairness and morality are relative to the person and situation. But this cannot be true. Specifically, because absolute truth, honesty, and justice must exist in order to stem the onslaught of chaos. Leaving these things up to a human consensus is completely fruitless because human thought, ideas of right, and their social mores are ever-changing. Consequently, change leads to the immoral becoming moral if enough perverted people agree with it. That’s what is happening today in our society. They have forgotten the only true source of truth, honesty, and justice is the Holy Bible. So, to “think on those things” that are just, you must think in a way that reconciles your thoughts with Biblical scripture.
Think on These Things Christians, and are Pure
We are called by God to live pure lives and to think only pure thoughts. Obviously, this is impossible and God understands that. Yet, we are still instructed to be pure. Jesus said, in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Also see 1 Timothy 5:22, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 1:15, James 3:17, and 1 John 3:3.
We are called to be pure – undefiled. We are to be sanctified – separate and different from those that are non-Christian. Separated out for service to God. Consequently, the only way to know how to live a pure life is to consult the Holy Bible. Because, it holds the only blueprint for true purity, in accordance with the will of God. Mankind is not smart enough or understanding enough to determine what is pure. So, we must rely on God’s knowledge found in His Holy Word to understand purity.
Think on These Things Christians, Lovely
The term in the KJV is lovely and the Greek word is prosphilē which means acceptable or pleasing, i.e. lovely. Obviously, these things described as acceptable or pleasing are acceptable and pleasing in accordance with Biblical scripture. God’s will determines what is acceptable and pleasing, not our will or our thoughts.
Think on These Things Christians, of Good Report
To think about something of good report is to think about something that is praiseworthy or commendable. The Greek word is euphémos and speaks to things that are thought or spoken in a kindly spirit, with good-will toward others. We should always try to think of others in a kindly, edifying manner that is uplifting. So, we are to never be denigrating or evil-spirited to others. Unfortunately, many take this too far. They trust without reason and they avoid hurting feelings at all costs. This often leads Christians to think that they should never share the gospel because it may offend someone. Yet, we must share the gospel to ensure we are giving people the opportunity to receive the greatest gift known to mankind – Salvation. So, forget about hurting feelings and focus on getting people into heaven! But, obviously, be kind and respectful while doing so.
Think on These Things Christians, Virtue
The Greek word used here is ἀρετὴ and it means virtue or excellence. Virtue is defined as behavior showing high moral standards. As I mentioned before the only true and accurate place to find what is of a high moral standard is in the Holy Bible. The ever-changing thoughts and ideas of mankind lead to moral depravity. We can see that all around us today. God’s standard for moral purity and behavior are the only true standards because they are steadfast and written by our all-knowing and perfect God – the God of the Holy Bible. All other determinations of what is virtuous are corrupted.
If There Be Any Praise
We are to have thoughts of admiration, acclamation, or praise for our fellow Christians. Hence, if our fellow Christians are spreading the word of truth – the Gospel. Or, if our fellow Christians are living good lives in accordance with God’s will we should have nothing but praise and admiration for them. We should life them up. We should try to emulate them in our own walk with Christ. Everything we do should also be in accordance with God’s Holy Word which is His Holy Will. The Bible is the only true and accurate revelation from God. Everything else is counterfeit, abomination, and lies. So, remember the source of true and praise people according to Biblical standards.
So,
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”